The Premier League have clarified that referee Stuart Attwell has not been dropped for this weekend's programme following Saturday's controversial match at Anfield. Attwell has been named fourth official for Tottenham's clash with Aston Villa at White Hart Lane this weekend.

A Premier League spokesman said: "He has not been dropped - he was always scheduled to be fourth official for the Tottenham match."

Premier League referee chiefs backed Attwell's decision to allow Liverpool's bizarre opening goal against Sunderland at Anfield to stand.

Attwell was also criticised for only giving Steven Gerrard a yellow card for a challenge on Danny Welbeck instead of sending off the Liverpool skipper.